Mobile device case

ABSTRACT

A protective case for housing a mobile device is provided. The protective case includes an upper assembly and a bottom assembly attachable to (and separable from) the upper assembly to form a watertight inner cavity therebetween. The resulting profile (i.e., external shape) of the protective case mirrors that of the mobile device installed therein. More particularly, the protective case generally includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and spaced-apart inner and outer perimeters extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The top surface of the case is made up of or includes the top surfaces of various other components of the case, and those component top surfaces are flush with one another such that the top surface of the case is completely flat (i.e., does not include an obtrusive raised protective rim).

PRIORITY CLAIM

This non-provisional patent application is a continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/470,798, filed Aug. 27,2014, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/870,335, filed on Aug. 27, 2013. The entiretyof U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/470,798 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/870,335 are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, this application relates to cases for portable electronicdevices and, more particularly, to cases that may be used to protect aportable electronic device (or, more simply, a “device”). As usedherein, the term “portable electronic device” may include any type ofwireless communication device, such as, e.g., a mobile telephone, atablet, a portable computer, a gaming device, a media player, a smartphone, a personal organizer, and the like. Though the primary embodimentdiscussed herein relates to a case for a smart phone, it will beunderstood that the principles of the invention could be adapted toother geometries for use with other portable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

The market for phone cases has continued to grow with the prevalence ofhigh-priced, fragile smart phones. However, most cases are eitherflimsy, cheap, and offer little or no protection, or they are large,bulky, and mask the aesthetics of the mobile device they are designed toprotect. An example of the latter type of case is shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,646,864 to Richardson. Some of these bulkier cases are designed to bewatertight or water resistant up to a certain depth. However, in orderto seal the phone or mobile device, they must completely seal it—oftensignificantly increasing the size of the case.

Another feature common among prior art phone cases is a raisedprotective lip or rim around the periphery of the device face. In otherwords, the case extends out beyond the face of the device (and any coverover the device face), such as shown in FIG. 1 of Richardson. This“protective rim” serves to protect the face of the device (often glass)from impact should it be dropped. One of the most common failure modesfor smart phones and the like is a drop, in which case the glass fasciaof the device may crack or shatter. The extended rim is designed toabsorb the majority of the impact and protect the screen of the devicefrom damage. Obviously, the larger the rim and the further it extendsoutward from the device, the more protection it offers. However, the rimobstructs the view of the screen at angles, increases the outsidepackage of the case +device combination, and is generally unappealing.

Prior phone cases with a raised protective lip can also obstruct ausable surface of the display screen, for example, in mobile deviceswhere the screen extends over, or curves around, one or more edges ofthe device. For example, some mobile devices have touch screens thatextend across a top surface of the device and curve over the left and/orright edges of the device to form at least a portion of the left and/orright sides of the device. Placing such devices within a phone case witha protective lip would impede the functionality of the curved edges ofthe touch screen.

Another method to protect the device face that is necessary inwatertight case models is to cover the face of the device with agenerally transparent membrane. This membrane may be a second glasscovering or a clear plastic of sufficient thickness to help absorbimpacts. The membrane is sealed to the protective rim in some fashion,creating an airtight and watertight cover around the device. In theprior art, the membrane may be held in place through a compression fit,where top and bottom clam shells come together from opposite sides ofthe membrane. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,325 to Raynor. In othercases, the membrane may slide into, or otherwise be fixed to the upperclam shell. However, in all cases having such a membrane, a raisedprotective rim or other feature of the case extends up above the surfaceof the membrane in order to help retain it and seal it. For example,Raynor provides an example of a much less obtrusive rim, such as in FIG.1B, but it is still present.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention makes novel improvements over the prior art bycreating a watertight or water resistant device case with a protectivemembrane, but no protective rim. This results in a design with acompletely flush top face/surface. The design allows the case to mirrorthe aesthetic outer shape of the phone it is designed to protect,essentially looking like there is no case there at all, while providingrobust, watertight protection. There is no tactile bump along the edgeof the device case, but rather just a smooth transition to the side ofthe phone.

In certain embodiments, the present invention comprises a case backingformed in a shape to receive a particular mobile device. The edges ofthe backing are formed such that they curl upward around the mobiledevice when it is inserted therein. The curled upward edges present anupward-facing shelf to which is mounted a first bezel. The inventionalso comprises a transparent membrane of a dimension sufficient tocompletely cover the upper surface of the mobile device. An upper bezelis fixed to the perimeter of the membrane in a fashion such that it doesnot extend up above an upper surface of the membrane. The upper bezelmay be mated to the lower bezel, and held in place, at least partially,by an outer edge of the backing When assembled, the outer edge of thebacking is flush with the upper bezel and the upper surface of themembrane, forming a watertight seal around the mobile device.

In other embodiments, the present invention comprises a case includingan upper assembly and a bottom assembly attachable to (and separablefrom) the upper assembly to form a watertight inner cavity therebetween.The resulting profile (i.e., external shape) of the case mirrors that ofthe mobile device installed therein. More particularly, the casegenerally includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and spaced-apartinner and outer perimeters extending between the top and bottomsurfaces. The top surface of the case is made up of or includes the topsurfaces of various other components of the case, and those componenttop surfaces are flush with one another such that the top surface of thecase is completely flat (i.e., does not include an obtrusive raisedprotective rim).

Other embodiments and aspects will be clear from a review of thefollowing detailed description and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a mobile device case, showing an installedmobile device in hidden lines, in accordance with certain embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side profile view of the mobile device case illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a rear view of the mobile device case illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a rear view of a mobile device case according to analternative embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the bottom shell of the mobiledevice case illustrated in FIG. 1, with certain sub-componentsillustrated in exploded view.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view showing various components of themobile device case illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are close-up isometric section views of certain aspectsof certain components illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a section view through the mobile device case illustrated inFIG. 1, taken through section A.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a mobile device case, showing an installedmobile device in hidden lines, in accordance with other embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side profile view of the mobile device case illustrated inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the mobile devicecase illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the upper assembly body of themobile device case illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 an exploded top perspective view of the upper assembly body ofthe mobile device case illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the mobile device case illustratedin FIG. 7 with the mobile device and the membrane removed and with theheadphone jack and power input doors in their open positions.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged top perspective view of the headphone jack andpower input doors of the mobile device case illustrated in FIG. 7 intheir open positions.

FIG. 12B is a top perspective view of the headphone jack and power inputdoors of the mobile device case illustrated in FIG. 7 and theircorresponding headphone jack door and power input door connectorsremoved from the remaining components of the mobile device case.

FIG. 13 is an exploded top perspective view of the lower assembly of themobile device case illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the mobile device caseillustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a section view through the mobile device case illustrated inFIG. 7, taken through section 15-15.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain techniques of the present application, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes ofillustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangementsand instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, theappearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearancesthat can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies oneor more particular embodiments of the present invention in accordancewith its principles. This description is not provided to limit theinvention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain andteach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with thatunderstanding, be able to apply them to practice not only theembodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may cometo mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the presentinvention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall withinthe scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrineof equivalents.

First Example Embodiment

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a mobile device 105 encapsulated within acase 100 according to the present invention. Notably, the mobile device105 is shown in dashed lines, indicating that it is not part of theinvention. Moreover, the invention is not limited to use with aparticular mobile device. Rather, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that the features and concepts discussed herein can beapplied to create cases for mobile devices of other shapes, dimensionsand thicknesses by, for example, changing the mold used to form thebacking, and/or changing the dimensions of the protective membrane. Fordemonstration purposes only, the mobile device displayed generallydepicts an iPhone from APPLE, but it will be understood that variouscomponents of the case could be moved to accommodate differentpositioning of different components of different mobile device models(such as different positioning of volume or power controls).

The case 100 is of a clamshell variety, having a bottom shell 120 and atop membrane 130. The membrane 130 is transparent or translucent, andseats directly against or just over the top surface of the mobile device105, allowing a user to interact with a capacitive touch screen surfaceof the device 105 by running a finger along the upper surface of themembrane 130 when installed. The membrane 130 is preferably formed of animpact resistant glass, such as GORILLA GLASS by CORNING or other hardtransparent or translucent materials such as sapphire. The membrane 130is surrounded by membrane bezel 180 on all sides. Membrane bezel 180 ispreferably made of a rigid plastic material that will hold its shape.However, it may be a flexible elastomer in some embodiments. As shownmore clearly in FIGS. 5 and 5A, membrane bezel 180 provides a shelf 182to receive the membrane 130. The membrane 130 and bezel 180 are joinedalong an adhesive layer 132 forming a membrane assembly. Once assembled,the membrane assembly is not intended to come apart. More specifically,when a user installs or removes a device from case 100, the membraneassembly (membrane 130 and bezel 180) are removed as a single unit.

Mobile device 105 is seated within bottom shell 120, which formsupward-extending sidewalls around and beyond the mobile device 105 onall sides. The bottom shell is a generally rigid, hard material such asa polycarbonate (or any other suitable material). However, as will beexplained, it does have some level of flexibility so as to receive andhold in the membrane/bezel combination. The portion of the bottom shell120 that extends beyond the mobile device 105, referred to herein asouter lip 128, is configured to receive the membrane assembly. As willbe explained in more detail in association with FIG. 6, the outer lip128 may be pulled outward slightly to make room for the membrane 130 andbezel 180, and then snaps back resiliently to hold the membrane assemblyin place along its sides. The resulting top surface of the case 100 iscompletely level and flush, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. In order toremove the mobile device 105 from case 100, the bezel 180 provides arelease tab 184 that can be used to pull the membrane assembly out andaway from the outer lip 128 of the bottom shell 120. The release tab 184seats within a cutaway 124 of the outer lip 128. The cutaway 124 is moreclearly shown in the isolated view of the bottom shell 120 in FIG. 4.Though shown along the top edge of the case in the disclosed embodiment,it will be understood that this tab 184 could be located at other placesaround the perimeter of the case 100.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the bottom shell 120 has additional cutouts toallow a user to interface with certain controls in a contained device,or to allow certain features to properly function. The cutouts are thencovered with rubber overmolds or lenses to seal the cutouts, but allowfor proper interface/function. The exact location of these controls andfeatures will vary from one device to another. Thus, it will beunderstood that the location, shape, size and quantity of these cutoutsin the bottom shell 120 will also vary. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3Bshow rear views of two different embodiments—one generally designed toaccommodate an APPLE product, and the other generally designed toaccommodate a SAMSUNG product. From the back side of the case, thecontrols overmold 142 is on the right, and volume up and down tabs 144A,144B, as well as power tab 143. The actual controls are not exposed.However, the overmold 142 is formed in a shape to accommodate them, andis flexible, such that when, for example, power tab 143 on the overmoldis pressed, the pressure translates to engage the actual power tab onthe sealed-in mobile device. This same concept is used for controlovermold 243 and volume overmold 242 on the SAMSUNG version shown inFIG. 3B. The design of the camera overmold 150, 250 also changes basedon the design of the enclosed mobile device 105. Lens cover 152A, 252Aand IR cover 152B, 252B are generally formed of a transparent ortranslucent film layer that is permanently sealed to their respectivecamera overmolds.

Finally, power input overmold 146, 246 is positioned in a location toallow for access to a power input on the device 105. Unlike the otherovermolds, power input overmold 146, 256 must be removed or pulled backin order to allow direct access to the mobile device 105 duringcharging. In some embodiments, the overmold will be cut on three sidesso that it may be peeled back but not fully removed from the bottomshell 120. The overmold will be formed of a resilient material such thatit will spring back to its original shape, and can be pressed in to sealaround the power input to the device 105 when not charging. An extractorlip 147 is formed into the control overmold 146 to facilitate peeling itback for powering the device. Note that, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, release tab184, 284 is shown at the top of the case where there is a break in theperimeter of the case 100.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the bottom shell 120 with each of theovermolds exploded outward. In this embodiment, a cavity 126 is formedon the inner surface of the bottom shell 120 that faces the back of amobile device 105 (when installed). This cavity 126 provides a housingfor padding 190, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5. The padding190 is formed of a preferably compressible, cushioning material such aspolystyrene (or any other suitable material), and is placed between themobile device 105 and the bottom shell 120 along a portion of the backof the device 105 to provide additional protection from impacts. Across-section showing placement of the padding 190 is shown in FIG. 6.The padding will preferably be permanently adhered to the bottom shell120 within cavity 126.

In addition to impact absorption, the padding serves to help with heatdissipation and sound travel. Generally, a mobile device 105 will have abattery and electronic circuitry packaged along its back side. This isthe area on the device that generates the most heat. Most prior artcases trap this heat by failing to provide spacing between the deviceand the case. Here, the padding 190 provides holes 192 and channels 194(filled with ambient air) that help the heat transfer away and allow thedevice to more efficiently cool. These holes and channels also allow forimproved sound wave travel within the case. This is helpful in caseswhere a mobile device 105 may package a speaker or audio output alongthe back of the case that would otherwise be muffled were the bottomshell 120 flush to the back of the device 105.

Also shown in FIG. 4 is gasket track 171, which runs around the insideperimeter of the bottom shell 120. Unlike in the case of the outer lip128 where the cutaway 124 is formed, there is no break in the gaskettrack 171. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, this gasket track forms a flat,upward-facing shelf that receives gasket 170. Gasket 170 may be formedof a material similar to membrane bezel 180. In the preferredembodiment, gasket 170 will be permanently adhered to the gasket track171. Separating gasket track 171 from the outer lip 128 is a trough 160,also running the perimeter of the bottom shell 120. The trough 160 isbest shown in the cross-section view of FIG. 6. The trough serves toseparate the gasket track from the outer lip 128, and facilitates theouter lip being pulled slightly outboard (see the arrow in FIG. 6) toallow for seating of the membrane assembly in place once the mobiledevice 105 has been placed in the bottom shell 120. Thus, as the outerlip 128 is pulled outboard, the gasket track 171 generally stays inplace to receive the bezel 180. While the trough 160 facilitates thisassembly step, repeated installations may place a load on the section ofthe bottom shell 120 at the base of the trough 160 where the outer lip128 separates. In some models, this area may be reinforced by forminglateral ribs (not shown) across the trough 160 at certain positionsalong the perimeter. These ribs act like plastic rebar to help reinforcethe interface at the bottom of the trough 160.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show close-up cross-sectional views of both the gasket170 and the membrane bezel 180. These two elements mate together (asshown in FIG. 6) in order to provide a water-tight seal between themembrane assembly and the bottom shell 120. Specifically, the gasket 170provides an upward extending rib 172 that seats inside a notch 185 alongthe bottom of the membrane bezel 180. The membrane bezel 170 is held inplace laterally and pulled down by the pressure of the resilient outerlip 128, which compresses around its outer perimeter. As shown in FIG.6, the bezel 180 also provides an annular ledge 186 that extends outwardalong its base and is received into a notch formed in the outer lip 128of the bottom shell 120. This interface forms an additional seal betweenthe device 105 and the outside environment.

When assembled to the user, the case 100 forms two primary, separableassemblies. The bottom assembly comprises bottom shell 120, theovermolds, the padding 190 and the gasket 170. The upper assembly(membrane assembly) comprises membrane 130 and membrane bezel 180. Thedevice 105 is placed in this bottom assembly (see FIG. 5), and then thetop assembly is fit over the top of the device 105. To install the topassembly, a user pulls the outer lip 128 of the bottom shell 120 outwardalong the perimeter in order to work/snap the top assembly into place,thereby forming a first seal between the bezel 180 and the outer lip,and a second seal between the bezel and the gasket. The resultingprofile (i.e., external shape) of the case 100 mirrors that of thenow-installed mobile device 105, as shown in the cross section view ofFIG. 6. More specifically, the fully-assembled case forms a top surfacethat is completely flat (i.e., there is no raised obtrusive protectiverim).

Second Example Embodiment

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a mobile device 1205 encapsulated within acase 1200 according to the present invention. Notably, the mobile device1205 is shown in dashed lines, indicating that it is not part of theinvention. Moreover, the invention is not limited to use with aparticular mobile device. Rather, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that the features and concepts discussed herein can beapplied to create cases for mobile devices of other shapes, dimensionsand thicknesses by, for example, changing the mold used to form thebacking, and/or changing the dimensions of the protective membrane. Fordemonstration purposes only, the mobile device displayed generallydepicts an iPhone from APPLE with slightly different controls than thatof the mobile device 105 used demonstrably above, but it will beunderstood that various components of the case could be moved toaccommodate different positioning of different components of differentmobile device models (such as different positioning of volume or powercontrols).

The case 1200 is of a clamshell variety and includes an upper assembly1210 and a bottom assembly 1220 attachable to (and separable from) theupper assembly 1210 to form a watertight inner cavity therebetween. Asdescribed in detail below, to install the mobile device 1205 into thecase 1200, a user places the mobile device 1205 in the upper assembly1210 and then attaches the bottom assembly 1220 to the upper assembly1210 to enclose the mobile device 1205 within the watertight innercavity of the case 1200. The resulting profile (i.e., external shape) ofthe case 1200 mirrors that of the mobile device 1205 installed therein.More particularly, the case 1200 generally includes a top surface, abottom surface, and spaced-apart inner and outer perimeters extendingbetween the top and bottom surfaces. As described below, the top surfaceof the case 1200 is made up of or includes the top surfaces of variousother components of the case 1200, and those component top surfaces areflush with one another such that the top surface of the case 1200 iscompletely flat (i.e., does not include an obtrusive raised protectiverim).

Turning to the upper assembly 1210, as best shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11,12, 12A, 12B, and 15, the upper assembly 1210 includes an upper assemblybody 1260 and a screen membrane 1230 fixedly attached to the upperassembly body 1260.

The upper assembly body 1260 forms the top surface and the inner andouter perimeters of the case 1200 and includes: a first upper assemblybody portion 1240, a second upper assembly body portion 1250, aheadphone jack door 1270, a headphone jack door connector 1275, a powerinput door 1280, and a power input door connector 1285.

The first upper assembly body portion 1240 includes a membrane track1242 that runs around an inside perimeter of the first upper assemblybody portion 1240. The membrane track 1242 forms a substantially flatshelf to which the screen membrane 1230 may be attached (such as via anadhesive 1282, as described below) and that supports the screen membrane1230. In this illustrated embodiment, there is a break in the membranetrack 1242 near each corner of the first upper assembly body portion1240, though as best shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, the second upperassembly body portion 1250 includes a plurality of break fillers thatfill these breaks to form a continuous membrane track 1242.

The first upper assembly body portion 1240 also defines a membrane bezelreceiving groove 1244 that runs around the perimeter of the firstportion 1240 outward of, adjacent to, and below (or even with or above,in other embodiments) the membrane track 1242 (with respect to theorientation shown in FIG. 15). The membrane bezel receiving groove 1244is configured to receive the membrane bezel 1252 of the second upperassembly body portion 1250, as described below.

The first upper assembly body portion 1240 also includes adownwardly-extending sidewall 1246 having an inner surface and anopposing outer surface. The inner surface of the sidewall 1246 of thefirst upper assembly body portion 1240 substantially forms the innerperimeter of the case 1200. The bottom of the sidewall 1246 of the firstupper assembly body portion 1240 (with respect to the orientation shownin FIG. 15) terminates in a mounting ridge 1247 that protrudes inwardlyfrom and extends around the perimeter of the inner surface of thesidewall 1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 andfacilitates attachment of the upper assembly 1210 to the bottom assembly1220, as described below.

The sidewall 1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 alsoincludes a plurality of spaced-apart ribs 1248 extending outward fromthree of the four sides of its outer surface. The ribs 1248 facilitateattachment of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 to the secondupper assembly body portion 1250, as described below, while alsoproviding hoop strength to prevent the sidewall from bowing outward.

The sidewall 1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 supportsa plurality of integrated tabs, switches, or actuators that enable theuser to interface with certain controls of the mobile device 1205 whenthe mobile device 1205 is contained within the case 1200. This ensuresthat that certain features of the mobile device 1205 may properlyfunction when the mobile device 1205 is contained within the case 1200.In one embodiment, the sidewall 1246 defines a plurality of cutoutstherethrough, and the cutouts are covered with rubber overmoldsincluding the tabs, switches, or actuators. The rubber overmolds sealthe cutouts. The tabs, switches, or actuators thus allow for properinterface/function with the controls of the mobile device 1205 withoutactually exposing those controls. The exact location of these controlsand features will vary from one device to another. Thus, it will beunderstood that the location, shape, size, and quantity of these tabs,switches, or actuators will also vary.

In this illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 11, the sidewall1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 supports a muteswitch 1246 a configured to toggle upward and downward, a volume up tab1246 b configured to move inward and outward, a volume down tab 1246 cconfigured to move inward and outward, and a screen on/off tab 1246 dconfigured to move inward and outward. The mute switch 1246 a is formedin a shape such that when a user toggles the mute switch 1246 a upwardor downward, the mute switch 1246 a engages and translates the upward ordownward pressure to the rocker panel of the mobile device 1205. Thevolume up tab 1246 b is formed in a shape such that when a user pressesthe volume up tab 1246 b, the volume up tab 1246 b engages andtranslates the pressure to the volume up control of the mobile device1205. The volume down tab 1246 c is formed in a shape such that when auser presses the volume down tab 1246 c, the volume down tab 1246 cengages and translates the pressure to the volume down control of themobile device 1205. The screen on/off tab 1246 d is formed in a shapesuch that when a user presses the screen on/off tab 1246 d, the screenon/off tab 1246 d engages and translates the pressure to the screenon/off tab control of the mobile device 1205.

The sidewall 1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 definesa headphone jack opening 1246 e therethrough and a power input opening1246 f therethrough. The headphone jack opening 1246 e is positionedsuch that, when the mobile device 1205 is contained within the case 1200and the headphone jack door 1270 is peeled back to its open position(described below), a headphone plug (not shown) can be inserted throughthe headphone jack opening 1246 e and into the headphone jack of themobile device 1205. The headphone jack opening 1246 e is configured toreceive a headphone jack opening sealer 1270 a of the headphone jackdoor 1270 therein when the headphone jack door 1270 is in its closedposition (described below) to seal the headphone jack opening 1246 e.Similarly, the power input opening 1246 f is positioned such that, whenthe mobile device 1205 is contained within the case 1200 and the powerinput door 1280 is peeled back into its open position (described below),a power input device (not shown) can be inserted through the power inputopening 1246 f and into a corresponding power input device receivingopening of the mobile device 1205. The power input opening 1246 f isconfigured to receive a power input opening sealer 1280 a of the powerinput door 1280 therein when the power input door 1280 is in its closedposition (described below) to seal the power input opening 1246 f, asdescribed below.

The first upper assembly body portion 1240 is made of a generally rigid,hard material such as polycarbonate (or any other suitable material).However, as will be explained, in certain embodiments the first upperassembly body portion 1240 and, particularly, the sidewall 1246 of thefirst upper assembly body portion 1240, has some level of flexibilityand resiliency so as to enable the upper assembly 1210 to be snap-fit tothe bottom assembly 1220.

The second upper assembly body portion 1250 includes the membrane bezel1252 and an outer cushion 1254 attached to the membrane bezel 1252.

The membrane bezel 1252 is attached to the membrane bezel receivinggroove 1244 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240. Particularly,in this embodiment, the membrane bezel 1252 is fit into the membranebezel receiving groove 1244 of the first upper assembly body portion1240, though it should be appreciated that the membrane bezel may beattached to the membrane bezel receiving groove in any other suitablemanner, such as via an adhesive. The membrane bezel 1252 is sized suchthat, after attachment to the first upper assembly body portion 1240,the top surface of the membrane bezel 1252 is flush with the top surfaceof the screen membrane 1230 and the top surface of the first bodyportion 1240 (as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 15).

The outer cushion 1254 of the second upper assembly body portion 1250has an inner surface, an opposing outer surface, and a plurality ofspaced-apart ribs 1258 extending inward from the inner surface. Theouter surface of the outer cushion 1254 of the second upper assemblybody portion 1250, the headphone jack door 1270 (described below), andthe power input door 1280 (described below) substantially form the outerperimeter of the case 1200. The ribs 1258 facilitate attachment of theouter cushion 1254 of the second upper assembly body portion 1250 to thefirst upper assembly body portion 1240. More specifically, to attach theouter cushion 1254 of the second upper assembly body portion 1250 to thefirst upper assembly body portion 1240, the ribs 1258 of the outercushion 1254 of the second upper assembly body portion 1250 are fit intothe gaps between the ribs 1248 of the first upper assembly body portion1240, and the ribs 1248 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240are fit into the gaps between the ribs 1258 of the outer cushion 1254 ofthe second upper assembly body portion 1250.

The outer cushion 1254 of the second upper assembly body portion 1250defines a plurality of tab, switch, or actuator receiving openingstherethrough that are configured receive and enable the tabs, switches,or actuators of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 to passtherethrough. Specifically, the outer cushion 1254 defines a mute switchreceiving opening 1254 a, a volume up tab receiving opening 1254 b, avolume down tab receiving opening 1254 c, and a screen on/off tabreceiving opening 1254 d therethrough. The mute switch receiving opening1254 a is configured to receive and enable the mute switch 1246 a topass therethrough, the volume up tab receiving opening 1254 b isconfigured to receive and enable the volume up tab 1246 b to passtherethrough, the volume down tab receiving opening 1254 c is configuredto receive and enable the volume down tab 1246 c to pass therethrough,and the screen on/off tab receiving opening 1254 d is configured toreceive and enable the screen on/off tab 1246 d to pass therethrough. Asbest shown in FIG. 7, in this illustrated embodiment, these tabs andswitches protrude from their corresponding openings defined through theouter cushion 1254.

The second upper assembly body portion 1250 is made of a generallycompressible, cushioning material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (orany other suitable material). The components of the second upperassembly body portion 1250 thus have impact-absorption qualities thatprotect the mobile device 1205 itself and other components of the case1200. For instance, the membrane bezel 1252 that surrounds the perimeterof the screen membrane 1230 is configured to absorb impact to the screenmembrane 1230 when the case 1200 is dropped or otherwise impacted toreduce the impact to the screen membrane 1230, thus reducing thelikelihood that the impact will break the screen membrane 1230.

The headphone jack door 1270 includes a headphone jack opening sealer1270 a, and is attached to the upper assembly body 1260 via theheadphone jack door connector 1275 such that the headphone jack door1270 is movable between: (1) a closed position in which the headphonejack opening sealer 1270 a is received in and seals the headphone jackopening 1246 e of the sidewall 1246 of the first upper assembly bodyportion 1240 (as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10); and (2) an open positionin which the headphone jack opening sealer 1270 a is removed from theheadphone jack opening 1246 e, thereby enabling direct access to theheadphone jack of the mobile device 1205 (as best shown in FIGS. 12 and12A).

More specifically, the headphone jack door connector 1275 is attached tothe sidewall 1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 via asnap fit, an adhesive, and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism.The headphone jack door connector 1275 is made of a generally rigid,hard material such as polycarbonate (or any other suitable material).The headphone jack door 1270 is attached to the headphone jack doorconnector 1275 via an adhesive or any other suitable attachmentmechanism. The headphone jack door 1270 is made of a suitable flexible,resilient material such that the headphone jack door 1270 will springback to its original shape when deformed. The attachment of theheadphone jack door 1270 to the headphone jack door connector 1275enables the headphone jack door 1270 to be peeled back, but not fullyremoved, to shift the headphone jack door 1270 from its closed positionto its open position and enable direct access to the headphone jack ofthe mobile device 1205.

The power input door 1280 includes a power input opening sealer 1280 a,and is attached to the upper assembly body 1260 via the power input doorconnector 1285 such that the power input door 1280 is movable between:(1) a closed position in which the power input opening sealer 1280 a isreceived in and seals the power input opening 1246 f of the sidewall1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 (as best shown inFIGS. 9 and 10), and (2) an open position in which the power inputopening sealer 1280 a is removed from the power input opening 1246 f,thereby enabling direct access to the power input device receivingopening of the mobile device 1205 (as best shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A).

More specifically, the power input door connector 1285 is attached tothe sidewall 1246 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 via asnap fit, an adhesive, and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism.The power input door connector 1285 is made of a generally rigid, hardmaterial such as polycarbonate (or any other suitable material). Thepower input door 1280 is attached to the power input door connector 1285via an adhesive or any other suitable attachment mechanism. The powerinput door 1280 is made of a suitable flexible, resilient material suchthat the power input door 1280 will spring back to its original shapewhen deformed. The attachment of the power input door 1280 to the powerinput door connector 1285 enables the power input door 1280 to be peeledback, but not fully removed, to shift the power input door 1280 from itsclosed position to its open position and enable direct access to thepower input connector of the mobile device 1205.

As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A, the headphone jack door 1270 and thepower input door 1280 are separately movable between their correspondingclosed and open positions. In other words, the user can move theheadphone jack door 1270 from its closed position to its open positionto enable direct access to the headphone jack of the mobile device 1205without also moving the power input door 1280 from its closed positionto its open position, and the user can move the power input door 1280from its closed position to its open position to enable direct access tothe power input connector of the mobile device 1205 without also movingthe headphone jack door 1270 from its closed position to its openposition.

As shown in FIG. 14, an extractor lip 1290 is formed into the headphonejack door 1270 and the power input door 1280 to facilitate peeling theheadphone jack door 1270 and the power input door 1280 from theircorresponding closed positions to their corresponding open positions.

The screen membrane 1230 is transparent or translucent, and seatsdirectly against or just over the top surface of the mobile device 1205when the mobile device 1205 is contained within the case 1200, allowinga user to interact with a capacitive touch screen surface of the device1205 by running a finger along the upper surface of the screen membrane1230 when installed. The screen membrane 1230 is preferably formed of animpact resistant glass, such as GORILLA GLASS by CORNING, or other hardtransparent or translucent materials, such as sapphire.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this example embodiment, a touchpad membrane 1234is mounted to the bottom surface of the screen membrane 1230 and fillsan opening defined through the screen membrane 1230 proximate afingerprint reader of the mobile device 1205. The touchpad membrane 1234prevents water from entering this opening while enabling the mobiledevice 1205 to read the user's fingerprint when the user touches thetouchpad membrane 1235. As also shown in FIG. 9, in this exampleembodiment, an acoustic membrane 1236 is mounted to the bottom surfaceof the screen membrane 1230 and fills an opening defined through thescreen membrane 1230 proximate an ear hole of the mobile device 1205.The acoustic membrane 1236 prevents water from entering this openingwhile enabling the user to hear audio emanating from the ear hole of themobile device 1205.

To attach the screen membrane 1230 to the upper assembly body 1260 andform the upper assembly 1210, the adhesive 1282 is applied to themembrane track 1242 of the first upper assembly body portion 1240 andthe screen membrane 1230 is then placed atop the adhesive 1282 such thatthe adhesive 1282 and the membrane track 1242 support the screenmembrane 1230. After installation, the screen membrane 1230 issurrounded by the membrane bezel 1252 of the second upper assembly bodyportion 1250 on all sides and, more specifically, the membrane bezel1252 contacts the outer perimeter of the screen membrane 1230. Once theupper assembly 1210 is formed, the screen membrane 1230, the first upperassembly body portion 1240, the second upper assembly body portion 1250,the headphone jack door 1270, the headphone jack door connector 1275,the power input door 1280, and the power input door connector 1285 arenot intended to come apart. More specifically, when a user installs orremoves the mobile device 1205 from the case 1200, the upper assembly1210 separates as a single unit from the bottom assembly 1220. Thus, inthis illustrated embodiment, the top surface of the case 1200 is made upof or includes the top surfaces of the screen membrane 1230, themembrane bezel 1252, and the first upper assembly body portion 1240, andthose component top surfaces are flush with one another such that thetop surface of the case 1200 is completely flat (i.e., does not includean obtrusive protective rim).

In certain embodiments, after curing the adhesive is transparent. Inother embodiments, after curing the adhesive is translucent. In furtherembodiments, after curing the adhesive is opaque.

The bottom assembly 1220 includes an outer bottom assembly portion 1222,an inner bottom assembly portion 1224, and a lens assembly module 1226.

The outer bottom assembly portion 1222 is made of a generally rigid,hard material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (or any other suitablematerial).

The inner bottom assembly portion 1224 is attached to the outer bottomassembly portion 1222. The inner bottom assembly portion 1224 includeslatticework configured to absorb impacts and transfer heat away from themobile device 1205. It should be appreciated that this particularillustrated latticework is merely one example type of latticework thatmay be employed, and that any other suitable latticework may beemployed. As best shown in FIG. 15, the inner bottom assembly portion1224 defines an inwardly-extending mounting ridge receiving groove 1224a around the outer perimeter of the inner bottom assembly portion 1224.As described below, the mounting ridge receiving groove 1224 a isconfigured to receive the mounting ridge 1247 of the upper assembly 1210to attach the bottom assembly 1220 to the upper assembly 1210.

The inner bottom assembly portion 1224 is made of a generallycompressible, cushioning material such as polystyrene (or any othersuitable material).

The lens assembly module 1226 facilitates use of the camera on the backof the mobile device 1205 when the mobile device 1205 is containedwithin the case 1200. The lens assembly module 1226 is set in a rigidplastic housing that is attached to the outer bottom assembly portion1222 via a snap-fit, a press-fit, an adhesive, or any other suitablemanner. In various embodiments, the lens assembly module 1226 isconfigured to reduce or prevent reflection, such as by being made of adark colored material.

To install the mobile device 1205 into the case 122 in this embodiment,a user first places the mobile device 1205 in the upper assembly 1210.The user then positions the top surface of the inner bottom assemblyportion 1224 against the bottom surface of the mounting ridge 1247 ofthe sidewall 1246. The user then pushes the bottom assembly 1220 towardthe screen membrane 1230, which forces the inner bottom assembly portion1224 to comply inward, until the mounting ridge 1247 is received in themounting ridge receiving groove 1224 a of the inner bottom assemblyportion 1224. As best shown in FIG. 15, once the mounting ridge 1247 isreceived in the mounting ridge receiving groove 1224 a, the inner bottomassembly portion returns to its original shape, thereby retaining themounting ridge 1247 within the mounting ridge receiving groove 1224 a,attaching the upper and lower assemblies 1210 and 1220, enclosing themobile device 1205, and forming a watertight seal between the upper andlower assemblies 1210 and 1220.

To install the mobile device 1205 into the case 1200 in anotherembodiment, a user first places the mobile device 1205 in the upperassembly 1210. The user then attaches the bottom assembly 1220 to theupper assembly 1210 by pulling the sidewall 1246 of the upper assembly1210 outward and working the mounting ridge 1247 extending around theperimeter of the sidewall 1246 into the mounting ridge receiving groove1224 a of the bottom assembly 1220. As best shown in FIG. 15, once themounting ridge 1247 is received in the mounting ridge receiving groove1224 a, the sidewall 1246 snaps back to its original shape, therebyattaching the upper and lower assemblies 1210 and 1220, enclosing themobile device 1205, and forming a watertight seal between the upper andlower assemblies 1210 and 1220.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changesmay be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing fromthe scope of the novel and non-obvious techniques disclosed in thisapplication. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the noveltechniques without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intendedthat the novel techniques not be limited to the particular techniquesdisclosed, but that they will include all techniques falling within thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for enclosing a four-sided mobile devicewith a top surface that extends between and connects the four sides ofthe mobile device, said case comprising: an upper assembly comprising atransparent screen membrane having four membrane sides forming amembrane perimeter and an upper assembly body extending around themembrane perimeter, wherein the screen membrane covers substantially theentire top surface of the mobile device, and wherein an upper surface ofthe screen membrane is flush with an upper surface of the upper assemblybody along at least two of the four membrane sides; and a bottomassembly attachable to the upper assembly body to form an inner cavityconfigured to house the mobile device between a bottom surface of thescreen membrane and the bottom assembly.
 2. The case of claim 1, whereinthe bottom assembly is attachable to the upper assembly such that theinner cavity is watertight.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the upperassembly body includes a membrane track to support a portion of thebottom surface of the screen membrane.
 4. The case of claim 3, whereinthe screen membrane is attached to the membrane track via an adhesive.5. The case of claim 1, wherein the screen membrane comprises a touchpadmembrane and an acoustic membrane.
 6. The case of claim 1, wherein theupper assembly body comprises a membrane bezel surrounding the membraneperimeter, and wherein the upper surface of the screen membrane is flushwith an upper surface of the membrane bezel along the at least two ofthe four membrane sides.
 7. The case of claim 1, wherein the upperassembly body comprises a sidewall extending away from the screenmembrane to define sides of the inner cavity against which the foursides of the mobile device seat when the mobile device is installed inthe case.
 8. The case of claim 1, wherein the screen membrane isconfigured to allow for capacitive touch interaction with the mobiledevice across its entire top surface.
 9. A case for enclosing afour-sided mobile device with a top surface that extends between andconnects the four sides of the mobile device, said case comprising: atransparent screen membrane configured to substantially cover at leastthe top surface of the mobile device, a bottom assembly, and an upperassembly body supporting the screen membrane such that an upper surfaceof the screen membrane is flush with an upper surface of the upperassembly body along at least two sides of the screen membrane, whereinthe upper assembly body extends laterally between the screen membraneand the bottom assembly, and wherein a bottom surface of the screenmembrane, an upper surface of the bottom assembly, and a sidewall of theupper assembly body form an inner cavity configured to house the mobiledevice.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein the screen membrane isconfigured to have a length and width at least substantially equal to alength and width of the top surface of the mobile device.
 11. The caseof claim 9, wherein the bottom assembly is attachable to the upperassembly such that the inner cavity is watertight.
 12. The case of claim9, wherein the upper assembly body includes a membrane track to supporta portion of the bottom surface of the screen membrane.
 13. The case ofclaim 12, wherein the screen membrane is attached to the membrane trackvia an adhesive.
 14. The case of claim 10, wherein the upper assemblybody comprises a membrane bezel surrounding a perimeter of the screenmembrane, and wherein the upper surface of the screen membrane is flushwith an upper surface of the membrane bezel along the at least two sidesof the screen membrane.
 15. A case for enclosing a four-sided mobiledevice with a top surface that extends between and connects the foursides of the mobile device, said case comprising: an upper assemblycomprising a transparent screen membrane having four membrane sidesforming a membrane perimeter and an upper assembly body extending aroundthe membrane perimeter, wherein an upper surface of the screen membraneis flush with an upper surface of the upper assembly body along at leasttwo of the four membrane sides, and wherein the upper assembly bodyincludes a membrane track to support a bottom surface of the screenmembrane; and a bottom assembly attachable to the upper assembly body toform an inner cavity configured to house the mobile device between thebottom surface of the screen membrane and the bottom assembly.
 16. Thecase of claim 15, wherein the bottom assembly is attachable to the upperassembly such that the inner cavity is watertight.
 17. The case of claim15, wherein the screen membrane is configured to substantially cover theentire top surface of the mobile device.
 18. The case of claim 15,wherein the screen membrane is configured to have a length and width atleast substantially equal to a length and width of the top surface ofthe mobile device.
 19. The case of claim 15, wherein the screen membraneis attached to the membrane track via an adhesive.
 20. The case of claim15, wherein the upper assembly body comprises a membrane bezelsurrounding the membrane perimeter, and wherein the upper surface of thescreen membrane is flush with an upper surface of the membrane bezelalong the at least two of the four membrane sides.